Youth Heifer Program Awards 10 Recipients
Stewart teen Braxton Bleck is among 10 students receiving Charolais heifers through the Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program during the Minnesota Beef Expo.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Philanthropy
Braxton Bleck of Stewart is one of 10 recipients awarded a Charolais heifer through the Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program at the Minnesota Beef Expo held Oct. 15-18, 2026, at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The heifer was donated by Zehnder Waage Partnership of Stanchfield and Greenbush on behalf of the Minnesota-Wisconsin Charolais Association.
Why it matters
The program supports young people interested in agriculture by giving them hands-on responsibility for raising and breeding an animal. The Expo returned in 2026 after a one-year hiatus for renovations to the Lee and Rose Warner Coliseum.
The program has awarded 196 heifers over its 22nd year, with 10 recipients chosen this year from 54 applicants. The junior shows featured 904 cattle competing for more than $23,000 in prize money.
The players
Braxton Bleck
A young agriculturalist from Stewart who was selected as one of 10 recipients of a heifer through the Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program.
Zehnder Waage Partnership
A cattle operation based in Stanchfield and Greenbush that donated the Charolais heifer awarded through the program.
Minnesota-Wisconsin Charolais Association
A regional breed association that sponsored the heifer donation alongside the Zehnder Waage Partnership.
The details
Recipients were chosen based on their passion for agriculture, commitment to raising a heifer, financial need, and willingness to learn. Each recipient must raise, breed, and maintain records on the animal while submitting progress reports to mentors, breed representatives, and Expo staff.
Timeline
Oct. 15-18, 2026: Minnesota Beef Expo held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Oct. 17-18, 2026: Junior shows concluded with 904 cattle competing
Oct. 21-24, 2027: Expo scheduled to return to the State Fairgrounds
Philanthropy Track
The Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program has awarded 196 heifers across its 22 years, and this year's class of 10 recipients extends that record. The donation model, in which private cattle operations and breed associations supply animals, continues to be the program's primary funding mechanism.
Families interested in youth livestock programs can track future Minnesota Beef Expo dates, which are set for Oct. 21-24, 2027. Prospective applicants should note that the program accepted 54 applications this year for 10 heifer awards.
The takeaway
The program's 22-year history shows how donated livestock can give young people a sustained stake in agriculture. Applicants who demonstrate commitment and record-keeping discipline are positioned to benefit most from these awards.
What happens next
The Expo returns to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds Oct. 21-24, 2027.
Further reading
For more on charitable giving in the state, explore Philanthropy coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by McLeod Publishing, Inc..
